Glyphosate use has been agreed in the UK until 2025
Farming leaders in the UK have said they will be keeping a ‘close eye' on EU glyphosate rules after member states across Europe failed to reach a decision on its continued use.
The proposal to renew its approval for a further 10 years will now go before the Appeal Committee in November.
The European Commission had put forward its draft glyphosate regulation before members of the SCOPAFF (Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed) earlier this month. However, the required majority of votes (55 per cent) to adopt (or reject) was not reached.
Matt Culley, NFU Combinable Crops chair while it was welcomed the EU did not opt for an outright ban, it would be important to see whether the UK would feel pressure to ‘align' with Europe in the future.
He said: "We are able to use glyphosate until 2025 but we will now have to keep a close eye on what will happen in the EU. For example, if they lose pre-harvest or if there are reduced rates on one particular ingredient then this is something that may come down the line to the UK.
"What we will do now is to start talking about what will happen post-2025 and how far we will align with the EU."
See also: How to check sprayer set-up for best glyphosate efficacy
The European decision must be taken by December 14, as the current approval runs out on December 15. The continued use of glyphosate had been questioned by influential bloc members France and Germany, although French agriculture minister Marc Fesneau revealed the country would back the EU ruling. However, his German counterpart, Cem Ozdemir insisted he did not support the renewal and was lobbying other countries to object.
However, in the UK Secretary for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs Therese Coffey told MPs she remained committed to glyphosate use: "The science is clear and farmers need it," she said.
Ms Coffey added: "A few years ago, we were successful in ensuring the EU continued glyphosate. We are now running our own rules and we will keep going with the science."
